Increased potassium in the blood, what to do. Hyperkalemia in pathologies of the urinary system. Effective dietary nutrition

In order for the organs, systems and cells of our body to function correctly, the body must constantly maintain a stable amount of nutrients. And any deviation from them normal level(both increase and decrease) is fraught with the emergence unpleasant diseases And serious problems with health. Potassium is considered one of the extremely important elements for our body. It is necessary to maintain proper functioning of the heart, regulate certain processes in the brain and in a number of organs of the digestive tract. An increase in potassium in a person’s blood is fraught with disturbances in the functioning of these organs. Therefore, we will discuss its increase, causes and symptoms on this page “Popular about health” in a little more detail.

As practice shows, a high level of potassium in the blood is most often a consequence of serious conditions that negatively affect the functioning of the entire body. But sometimes this phenomenon is explained quite natural causes, and can be corrected without much difficulty.

Causes of increased blood potassium

So, the most neutral reason for an increase in the amount of potassium in the blood is considered to be a diet rich in a significant amount of potassium-containing products. This disorder is considered transient - it goes away quite quickly on its own after optimizing the diet.

Also, the natural increase in the blood of this element can be explained by particularly strong physical exertion, which also applies to transient pathologies.

There are a number of diseases that can affect the increase in the amount of potassium in the body. Among them severe injuries, necrosis different localization and burns. Thus, an increase in potassium ions in the blood is observed during fasting, after surgical interventions and due to oxygen starvation of tissues.

Sometimes this condition is a consequence of intracellular and intravascular hemolysis, which is normally continuous and represents the final stage of the life of red blood cells - their destruction with the parallel release of hemoglobin into environment. But with a number of ailments that can be infectious, toxic, autoimmune or traumatic in nature, hemolysis accelerates, which results in an increase in the amount of potassium and an increase in its content in the blood.

In addition, an increase in potassium in the body can be observed during the disintegration of tumor formations, during shock, metabolic acidosis, insulin deficiency due to hyperglycemia, with active breakdown of proteins or glycogen. Another similar situation can be provoked by a pathological change in the permeability of the outer membranes of cells, due to which potassium leaves the cell (typical of anaphylactic shock).

Sometimes an increase in potassium in the blood is a consequence of reduced excretion of potassium ions by the urinary system (in acute and chronic renal failure, which is accompanied by a decrease in diuresis). Also similar problem may occur in patients with hormonal disorders, namely with impaired functional ability of the adrenal cortex.

Among other things, an increase in potassium levels may be a consequence of the use of certain medications (captopril, indomethacin, potassium-sparing diuretics, muscle relaxants), dehydration (with polyuria), severe glycoside intoxication, etc.

In general, doctors say that an abnormal increase in the amount of potassium in the blood in most cases occurs due to the breakdown of cells, which is accompanied by excessive release of this substance from them, or with reduced excretion of potassium ions by the urinary system. Much less often, other causes underlie the pathology.

Increased potassium concentration - symptoms

Manifestations higher level potassium levels in the blood largely depend on the degree of increase. Mainly symptoms this violation become obvious when the disease is especially difficult character, and a blood test for potassium levels shows data of more than 7 mmol/l. In such a situation, patients complain of weakness in the muscles of the limbs and may even lose the ability to fully independent movement. Classic symptoms of increased potassium in the blood are tingling, numbness, and crawling (feelings of paresthesia). Such unpleasant symptoms are usually concentrated in the fingers or toes.

A high level of potassium in the blood negatively affects the functioning of the nervous system and causes a feeling of lethargy. Patients have an impaired reaction to external stimuli, and mental (mental) activity also noticeably deteriorates. If the amount of potassium in the blood is particularly high, consciousness may be impaired.

High levels of potassium in the blood impair activity of cardio-vascular system. At the same time, blood pressure may increase or decrease, and a feeling of palpitations and a feeling of shortness of breath may also occur. Quite often there are violations of the full heart rate, represented by paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, asystole, and ventricular fibrillation. Similar conditions may cause death.

If there are suspicions of symptoms of high potassium in the patient’s blood, he needs to be hospitalized and undergo adequate treatment under the supervision of qualified specialists.

In organism healthy person with a body weight of about 70 kg contains 3150 mmol of potassium (45 mmol/kg in men and about 35 mmol/kg in women). Only 50-60 mmol of potassium is in the extracellular space, the rest is distributed in the cellular space. Daily potassium intake is 60-100 mmol. Almost the same amount is excreted in the urine and only a little (about 2%) is excreted in the urine. feces. Normally, the kidney secretes potassium at a rate of up to 6 mmol/kg/day.

What to consider when assessing the analysis result

Serum potassium concentration is an indicator of total potassium content in the body, but its distribution between cells and extracellular fluid can be influenced by various factors(acid-base imbalance, increased extracellular osmolarity, insulin deficiency). Thus, with a shift in pH by 0.1, one should expect a change in potassium concentration by 0.1-0.7 mmol/l in the opposite direction.

Physiological function of potassium

The condition of the body in which potassium in the blood exceeds 5.3 mmol/l is called hyperkalemia. This pathology occurs in a tenth of patients hospitalized in hospitals medical institutions. In most cases, the pathological condition develops in patients with insufficient function of the urinary system. IN last years the disease is detected in people who regularly take medications for hypertension that affect the angiotensin-renin system.

The role of potassium in the human body

Potassium is a positively charged cation that performs its functions in close relationship with sodium. A high concentration of the ion is contained inside the cell (up to 150 mmol/l), in contrast to sodium, which is found in large quantities in intercellular space. This allows you to create membrane potential through the operation of the potassium-sodium pump (pump), which creates favorable conditions for contraction muscle fibers and conducting nerve impulse. In addition, the cation takes part in the activation of enzymes, maintaining water-salt balance, and forms the acid-base balance.

In the process of transporting potassium in the body and maintaining adequate concentrations, several physiological mechanisms. The main role is played by the excretion of the cation by the kidneys under the influence of the adrenal hormone aldosterone. Wherein active substance affects the increase in blood sodium by reabsorption by the renal tubules and helps reduce the concentration of potassium by excreting it in the urine.

As a result of disruption of the functioning of regulatory levers, the normal excitability of cell membranes changes, which leads to pathology of the nervous, muscular, and cardiac systems.

Causes of high blood plasma potassium

There are false and true increases in potassium levels in the blood. In the first case, pseudopathological indicators appear when there is a massive release of the cation from the cells, which is associated with a violation of the blood sampling technique:

prolonged compression of the shoulder with a tourniquet (more than 2-3 minutes);
after administration of potassium supplements;
improper storage biological material;
increased levels of platelets and leukocytes;
injury to vein tissue during analysis;
a hereditary pathology in which the level of potassium in the blood is constantly elevated.

When questionable results studies prescribe repeated sampling of biological material to clarify the diagnosis.

Long-term use of some medicines may cause hyperkalemia

Factors causing a true increase in cation in the blood are associated with pathology internal organs and the influence of external causes.

Intake from food large quantity products containing potassium. Dried fruits, nuts, molasses, cauliflower, mushrooms, bananas can increase its content inside the body. Required condition for the development of a pathological condition is a violation of the excretory function of the kidneys.
Significant release of potassium from cells. The reason for this redistribution of the ion may be low insulin in plasma, increased concentration of glucose in the blood, acidification intercellular fluid(acidosis). Extensive burns, disintegration of tumor formations, massive damage to muscle fibers (crash syndrome) lead to disruption of metabolic processes with an increase in the potassium content in the extracellular fluid.
Low cation excretion in urine. The main factor in this process is considered to be kidney pathology, which occurs with insufficient excretory function. Risk factors for the development of pathology also include insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, systemic diseases(amyloidosis, lupus erythematosus), diabetic nephropathy, use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Taking certain medications. An increase in potassium levels in the blood can be caused by the prescription of potassium-sparing diuretics (spironoloctone, triamterene), substances with a high concentration of the cation ( herbal mixtures from dandelion, milkweed, nettle). An increase in the level of the ion outside the cells is influenced by medications that disrupt its transport through the cell membrane (mannitol, beta blockers, cardiac glycosides). Hyperkalemia is also caused by substances that can reduce the release of aldosterone (heparin, ACE blockers, antifungals).

Gender does not affect the incidence of pathology; high levels of the cation are equally found in both men and women.

Manifestations of the disease and diagnostic methods

Clinical symptoms pathological process are usually detected in severe cases of the disease, when a blood test for potassium shows a content above 7 mmol/l. At this stage, patients note weakness in the muscles of the limbs and the inability to fully move. There is tingling, numbness, and crawling (parasthesia) in the fingers and toes.

On the part of the nervous system, inhibition and impaired response to external stimuli, deterioration of mental activity. IN severe cases a disturbance of consciousness occurs. A pathological change in the work of the heart is manifested by an increase or decrease blood pressure, feeling of palpitations and lack of air. Heart rhythm disturbances such as asystole and ventricular fibrillation often occur. These pathological condition often leads to death.

Changes in the T wave and ventricular complex during an ECG

TO diagnostic methods detection of the disease includes:

the potassium content in the blood serum is normal - 3.3-5.3 mmol/l, with hyperkalemia the cation is increased;
potassium concentration in urine – cation indicators below 30 mmol/l;
electrocardiography (ECG) - increase in the amplitude of the T wave, lengthening of the ventricular complex, fusion of complexes and waves with the formation of a sinusoid on the film.

If a severe rhythm disturbance is detected, a rapid test is performed to determine the cation in the blood serum and therapeutic measures are initiated based on the results of the analysis.

Therapeutic tactics

Severe hyperkalemia can cause a life-threatening condition - cardiac and respiratory arrest. Therefore, complex therapeutic measures should begin immediately after diagnosis and determination of the cation concentration in the blood. To the main therapeutic activities The following purposes include:

potassium antagonists - calcium gluconate are administered intravenously under the monitoring of cardiac performance on a cardiograph;
insulin with glucose solution - a mixture of drugs is administered intravenously, which redistributes the cation inside the cells and leads to its decrease in the blood plasma;
thiazide diuretics - intravenous infusions of furosemide promote the excretion of potassium in the urine;
dialysis - blood purification by using special apparatus, is prescribed when severe course pathological process;
ion exchange resins and laxatives – contribute to the retention of the cation in the intestines and its excretion with feces;
beta mimetics - salbutamol moves potassium ions inside cells;
bicarbonate – normalizes blood pH, neutralizes acidosis in the body.

It is necessary to treat the underlying disease, reduce the dosage or cancel medicinal substances that caused the pathology. They recommend a diet that excludes foods with high concentrations of cation.

The condition with high blood potassium content must be detected by early stages development of the disease. Timely therapy will avoid the occurrence of severe complications from the respiratory and cardiac systems. It must be remembered that hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening conditions that require medical intervention in intensive care settings.

In addition to organic substances in proteins and other biologically active substances.

Blood potassium

Normal blood potassium level

Potassium is a predominantly intracellular ion, as 89% of potassium is found inside cells and only 11% of potassium is found outside cells.

In the blood of a healthy person, the normal potassium concentration is 3.5-5.5 mmol/l.

The concentration of potassium in the blood may change under the influence of the following substances: insulin, catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine), aldosterone (a hormone produced by the kidneys), increased blood acidity, diuretic - mannitol. A person may have a potassium deficiency - hypokalemia and excess - hyperkalemia.

Hypokalemia is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of potassium in the blood below 3.5 mmol/l, and hyperkalemia is an increase in the concentration of the ion above 6.0 mmol/l. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are characterized by certain symptoms, which we will discuss below.

Causes of decreased potassium in the blood

Let's find out the reasons for the development of hypokalemia:

low potassium diet
increased body need for potassium (for example, after surgery)
during and after childbirth
skull injuries
thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease)
insulin overdose
taking certain medications (glucocorticoids, diuretics, anti-asthma drugs)
dehydration (vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating, gastric and intestinal lavage)
gastric and intestinal fistulas

Since potassium is present in the cells of all organs and systems of the human body, the clinical symptoms of low potassium levels are very diverse. Let us group the manifestations of hypokalemia according to manifestations from each group of interconnected organs.

Symptoms of decreased potassium in the blood And

Signs of hypokalemia:

nervous system disorders

drowsiness
tremor (hand shaking)
increased muscle tone

disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems

decrease in heart rate (pulse)
increase in heart size
heart murmur
weakening of the force of heart contractions
disruption of electrical processes in the heart muscle
wet rales

disruption gastrointestinal tract

intestinal paresis with the formation of obstruction

hormonal disorders

glucose intolerance
disruption of the mechanism for maintaining normal blood pressure in the kidneys

renal dysfunction

polyuria (profuse urination of more than 2.5 liters per day) with transition to anuria (lack of urination)

Hyperkalemia manifests itself when the concentration of potassium in the blood increases above 6.0 mmol/l. Under what conditions does this condition develop?

Causes of increased potassium in the blood

Causes of hyperkalemia:

very high potassium diet
acute renal failure
acute liver failure
dehydration of the body (diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, increased urination, etc.)
extensive burns
crash syndrome (develops as a result of prolonged compression fabrics)
alcohol poisoning
high content blood glucose
Addison's disease
use of certain medications (B-blockers, muscle relaxants, cardiac glycosides, heparin, spironolactone, indomethacin, aspirin, etc.)
systemic lupus erythematosus
amyloidosis

For detailed information on diseases leading to increased potassium in the blood, read the articles: Diabetes , Addison's disease, Tuberculosis

Symptoms of high potassium in the blood

The manifestations of hyperkalemia are as varied as hypokalemia. They concern disruption of the activity of all organs and systems. Let's look at the manifestations of hyperkalemia:

anxiety
myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness varying degrees severity)
paralysis

dysfunction of the lungs and heart

extrasystoles
cardiac arrest with potassium concentration above 10 mmol/l
breathing disorder (decreased, increased frequency, etc.)

changes in kidney function

oliguria (reduction of urination to 400-600 ml per day) with transition to anuria
protein and blood in urine

For more information about cardiac arrhythmia, read the article: Cardiac arrhythmia

How to take a blood potassium test?

If you suspect a deficiency or excess of potassium in the blood, you need to get tested. An analysis to determine the concentration of potassium ions is carried out in blood taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach. On the eve of the test, you should not eat salty, spicy or pickled foods. Currently, determination of potassium concentration is carried out either on an automatic analyzer or by titration. The accuracy of the analyzer is higher (subject to correct setup and correct calibration of the equipment). Therefore, an automated method is preferred.

Blood sodium

The norm of sodium in the blood, sodium functions, the formation of edema
Sodium is the main ion in the extracellular fluid; 75% of all sodium is found outside the cell and only 25% is found inside the cells.

Blood sodium norm

Normally, the blood of an adult contains sodium 123-140 mmol/l.

Excess sodium is 85-90% excreted in the urine, 5-10% in feces and up to 5% in sweat. Sodium is involved in maintaining osmotic pressure and blood pH, and takes part in the activity of the nervous, cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Let's consider the mechanism of action of sodium in the formation of edema. An increase in intracellular sodium concentration leads to edema, and an increase in extracellular sodium concentration leads to dehydration. An increase in sodium concentration inside the vessels leads to the outflow of fluid from tissues and an increase in the volume of circulating blood, as well as an increase in blood pressure.

Causes of low sodium in the blood

A decrease in blood sodium concentration below 120 mmol/l is called hyponatremia. Let's look at what leads to this condition:

diet low in sodium (salt-free)
excessive sweating combined with insufficient fluids
burns
adrenal diseases
uncontrolled use of diuretics (for example, mannitol)
abundant low sodium drips
kidney pathology (nephritis, poisoning, renal failure)

In addition to true hyponatremia, there is a condition of the body called false hyponatremia. False hyponatremia is recorded when there is an increased content of lipids, immunoglobulins and glucose in the blood. This is due to the fact that the above substances make it difficult to determine the sodium concentration and distort the result downwards. Therefore, when reading the analysis results, it is necessary to take into account the indicators of glucose, immunoglobulins and lipids.

Symptoms of Low Blood Sodium

Manifestations of hyponatremia are varied. Various symptoms develop already at a sodium concentration in the blood of 110-120 mmol/l. Let's look at the main symptoms of low sodium concentration in the blood:

symptoms of a disease that has led to the formation of hyponatremia (for example, renal failure)
swelling
hypotension (low blood pressure)
muscle weakness and reflex problems
lack of thirst
loss of appetite
oliguria (urination at the level of 400-600 ml per day)
apathy
loss of consciousness
stupor

Causes of increased sodium in the blood

An increase in sodium concentration in the blood above 150 mmol/l is called hypernatremia. Hypernatremia underlies the development of edema in kidney diseases and heart failure. In acute renal failure, hypernatremia is combined with reduced levels of potassium and calcium in the blood.
Let's consider the main factors leading to the development of hypernatremia:

increased intake of sodium from food, water (for example, abuse of salty foods)
not drinking enough
severe loss of water through the lungs (long-term artificial ventilation lungs), skin ( excessive sweating)
polyuria (urination more than 2500 ml per day)
diabetes insipidus
hyperaldosteronism (Itsenko-Cushing syndrome)
interstitial nephritis
surgery and postoperative period
taking certain medications (narcotics, chlorpropanide, glucocorticoids, vaccistin, large amounts of saline)
hypothalamic damage

So, we see that often the formation of hypernatremia occurs due to an imbalance in the intake of fluid and its removal from the body. The second most common causes of hypernatremia are kidney disease and stress.

Symptoms of high sodium in the blood

How can you recognize hypernatremia? Firstly, excess sodium is always accompanied by chlorine retention, which leads to dehydration. Therefore there are three main signs of hypernatremia– polydipsia ( extreme thirst), polyuria (increased urination of more than 2.5 liters per day), albuminuria (protein in the urine). However, along with the above, here are other symptoms of hypernatremia:

polydipsia
polyuria
albuminuria
dry skin
hyperthermia (increased temperature up to fever)
increased blood pressure
strengthening reflexes
renal failure
muscle weakness
drowsiness
stupor, coma
delirium

How to take a blood sodium test?

If any symptoms appear that may be associated with a violation of the concentration of sodium in the blood, it is advisable to get tested. A blood test for sodium content is taken in the morning, from a vein, on an empty stomach. When preparing for the test, it is necessary to avoid excessive drinking, excessive sweating, and also not to eat too salty or completely unsalted foods. Currently, sodium concentration is determined using an automated electrode method or manual method titration. The automated method has great advantages, since it is more accurate, has higher sensitivity and specificity, and is also faster.

Blood calcium

Normal blood calcium level

Calcium in the human body is in the form of free ionized calcium and in protein-bound form. In the clinical laboratory diagnostics It is ionized calcium that is taken into account. Calcium is an extracellular element.

The adult human body contains 1-1.5 kg of calcium, of which 99% is in bones and 1% in biological fluids, mainly in blood plasma.

Normally, the calcium concentration in the blood of an adult is 2.15-2.65 mmol/l
In newborns – 1.75 mmol/l
In premature newborns, calcium concentration is less than 1.25 mmol/l

Normally, calcium levels are regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and calcitriol.

Consider a decrease in calcium concentration in the blood - hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia may be acute– develops with the transfusion of a large amount of blood preserved with sodium citrate, as well as with the transfusion of albumin. All other types of hypocalcemia are chronic.

Causes of low calcium in the blood

Let's consider the reasons for the decrease in calcium levels in the blood:

vitamin D deficiency
lack of calcium in food
impaired calcium absorption due to bowel resection, diarrhea or pancreatic insufficiency
rickets (if formed)
physical inactivity (lack of movement)
tumors
chronic sepsis
toxic liver damage (salt poisoning heavy metals, alcoholic surrogates)
diseases parathyroid glands or their amputation
hypernatremia
hypoalbuminemia
high estrogen content
taking corticosteroids and interleukins

For more information about rickets, read the article: Rickets

Symptoms of Low Blood Calcium

Symptoms of hypocalcemia vary widely because calcium is involved in many physiological processes. Here are the manifestations of hypocalcemia in a structured form:

mental symptoms

dizziness
migraine-like headaches

skin and bone symptoms

hair loss
nail destruction
dry, cracked skin

neuromuscular disorders

strengthening of reflexes with transition to tetanic convulsions

disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system

tachycardia (increased heart rate - pulse)
bleeding disorder (prolonged clotting time)

Hypocalcemia is more common than an increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood. An increase in calcium in the blood of more than 2.6 mmol/l is called hypercalcemia.
Hypercalcemia can be physiological - in newborns after the 4th day of life and after eating. All other types of hypercalcemia are pathological, that is, they occur in various diseases.

Causes of high blood calcium levels

Why does calcium level in the blood increase? Here are the factors leading to hypercalcemia:

disease of the parathyroid glands (increased activity)
hyperthyroidism (increased function thyroid gland)
vitamin D hypervitaminosis
peritonitis
obstructive jaundice
heart failure

Symptoms of high calcium in the blood

Clinical symptoms of increased calcium can be associated with almost any system of the body. Let's list clinical manifestations hypercalcemia:

from the nervous and muscular systems

vomit
weakness
disorientation
disturbances of consciousness
strengthening reflexes
asthenia
adynamia (immobility)

acute renal failure in the presence of anuria (lack of urination)
disorders of the cardiovascular system

vascular calcification (deposition of calcium in the vessel wall)
tachycardia

So, hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia can lead to the development of serious pathology. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check the concentration of calcium in the blood.

How to take a blood calcium test?

To test for calcium content, blood is taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. No special preparation is required. Today, calcium is determined by complexation or titration. The complexation method is more accurate, sensitive and takes less time. Therefore, this method is preferable.

Blood chlorine

Blood chlorine level

Chlorine is an extracellular ion. Chlorine ions in the human body are involved in maintaining osmotic pressure, together with sodium and potassium ions they regulate water-salt metabolism and are necessary for the production of gastric juice. Chlorine is also involved in the regulation of the acid-base balance of the blood. Absorption of chlorine from food occurs in the large intestine, and excretion through urine (mainly), sweat and feces.

The normal concentration of chlorine in the blood of a healthy person is 95-107 mmol/l.

Together with table salt a person receives excess chlorides, hence the state of low chlorine in the blood ( hypochloridemia) has only been studied experimentally (on animals).

Decreased blood chlorine - causes and symptoms

Hypochloridemia in humans develops as a compensatory mechanism when various violations acid-base state, osmotic pressure, etc. That is, this option for reducing the concentration of chlorine in the blood is redistributive, and not absolute, as is the case with other microelements. In this case, a low concentration of chlorine in the blood develops as a result profuse sweating, vomiting, development of edema and uncontrolled use of diuretics. However, the main reasons for the development of absolute hypochloridemia are lack of food, as well as disturbances in chlorine metabolism. A person may develop short-term hypochloridemia in response to excretion large quantities chlorine and sodium (taking laxatives, diuretics, gastric and intestinal lavage, vomiting). It is also possible to develop chlorine deficiency in children with artificial feeding.

Symptoms of Chloride Deficiency

According to experimental data, hypochloridemia manifests itself as follows:

stunting
increased convulsive readiness

Increased blood chlorine - causes and symptoms

Chlorine is a toxic substance. An increase in its concentration in the blood ( hyperchloridemia) possible with excess intake - over 15 g per day. The main symptom of absolute hyperchloridemia is growth inhibition. A high concentration of chlorine in the body is a sign dehydration, which develops with pathology of the kidneys, stones in the ureters, diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency and inadequate amounts of fluid entering and leaving the body. Excessive intake of chlorides from food can cause chronic dehydration and diabetes insipidus.

Currently, determining the concentration of chlorine in the blood is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment of diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands and diabetes mellitus.

How to take a blood chlorine test?

To determine chlorine, blood is taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. Determination occurs using the colorimetric or electrode method. The electrode method is more accurate, simpler and less harmful. Therefore it is preferable.

Blood magnesium

Normal magnesium level in blood

Magnesium is a trace element that is 55-70% bound in the blood, entering the structure of biological macromolecules (for example, enzymes). The intracellular pool of magnesium is 25%, and magnesium in the extracellular fluid is 1.5%. Since the intracellular pool of magnesium is higher than the extracellular one, magnesium is an intracellular ion. Magnesium is essential for heart function.

In a healthy person, the normal concentration of magnesium in the blood is 0.8-1.2 mmol/l.

There are conditions in which the concentration of magnesium in the blood is higher - 1.2 mmol/l and lower than 0.8 mmol/l. State of low magnesium concentration – hypomagnesemia, high concentration – hypermagnesemia.

Causes of low blood magnesium

Let's consider what factors can lead to the development of hypomagnesemia. So, the reasons:

lack of nutritional intake
impaired delivery of magnesium from the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, worms, tumors)
chronic poisoning with metal salts (mercury, barium, arsenic, aluminum)
thyrotoxicosis
diseases of the parathyroid glands (increased function)
high need in magnesium (for example, pregnancy and lactation, growth period in children, athletes)
hereditary phosphorus deficiency
use of certain medications (diuretics - furosemide, spironolactone, cardiac glycosides, insulin, caffeine, aminoglycosides)

Symptoms of low blood magnesium

As we can see, the reasons for the development of hypomagnesemia are many and varied. How does hypomagnesemia manifest? With prolonged magnesium deficiency, calcium is deposited in the walls of blood vessels. Let's look at the disorders characteristic of magnesium deficiency:

mental disorders

dizziness and headaches
hallucinations
apathy

disorders of the nervous and muscular systems

tremor (shaking limbs)
paresthesia (running "goosebumps")
muscle spasms
increased reflexes (Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs)

disorders in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems

tachycardia (increased heart rate)
blood pressure surges
extrasystole
spasm of the bronchi and trachea

violations by other authorities

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
bile duct dyskinesia
spasms of the sphincters, muscles of the stomach, intestines, uterus
brittle hair, nails, dental diseases

If a person has depression, intrusive thoughts, migraines, constant apathy, insomnia, unexplained anxiety, then all these symptoms can be caused by a deficiency of magnesium in the body. According to statistics, magnesium deficiency affects up to 50% of the population.

Causes of elevated blood magnesium

In addition to hypomagnesemia, the opposite condition can develop - hypermagnesemia, which is characterized by an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the blood above normal. Hypermagnesemia is less common than hypomagnesemia. Let's consider the main factors leading to a decrease in the concentration of magnesium in the blood:

acute and chronic renal failure
overdose of magnesium drugs
hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
dehydration
multiple myeloma
adrenal insufficiency
systemic lupus erythematosus
sharp increase breakdown processes in the body (for example, diabetic acidosis)

Symptoms of high blood magnesium

Despite the relative rarity of hypermagnesemia, this condition is no easier to manifest than hypomagnesemia. So, the clinical manifestations of hypermagnesemia:

mental disorders

drowsiness
lethargy

nerve and muscle pathologies

superficial and deep anesthesia (with magnesium levels above 4.7 mmol/l and 8.3 mmol/l, respectively)
asthenia
ataxia (impaired coordination of movements)
decreased reflexes

disruption of the cardiovascular system

bradycardia (decreased heart rate)
low diastolic pressure(bottom)
asystole

disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

nausea, vomiting
diarrhea
stomach ache

How to take a blood magnesium test?

To determine the concentration of magnesium, blood is taken from a vein in the morning (before 10 am), on an empty stomach. After the last meal, at least 6 hours must pass before the test is taken. Avoid physical activity. Do not take magnesium supplements for 4-6 days before the test. Magnesium is determined by the atomic adsorption method or the method chemical reaction with the formation of a colored compound. The atomic adsorption method is preferable because it is more sensitive, specific and more accurate.

Blood phosphorus

Norm of phosphorus in blood

The total phosphate content in the blood consists of the soluble and insoluble fractions. In clinical laboratory diagnostics, the soluble fraction is determined. The insoluble fraction is found in phospholipids, immune complexes and nucleoproteins. Most of the phosphates (80-85%) enter the skeleton in the form of calcium salts, 15-20% are found in the blood and tissues.

The normal concentration of phosphorus in the blood of a healthy person is 0.81-1.45 mmol/l

The normal concentration of phosphorus in urine is 25.8-48.4 mmol/day.

The phosphorus content in the blood of newborns is 1.19-2.78 mmol/l. Calcium phosphate is extremely poorly soluble in physiological solutions. Maintaining high millimolar concentrations of phosphorus in the blood is possible only due to its binding to proteins. A decrease in the concentration of phosphates in the blood is called hypophosphatemia, and the increase is hyperphosphatemia. The determination of blood phosphates has less diagnostic value compared to other microelements.

Causes of decreased blood phosphorus

Hypophosphatemia - phosphate content can be reduced to 0.26-0.97 mmol/l. Hypophosphatemia develops with rickets in childhood. Low concentration phosphates in adults leads to osteomalacia (bone destruction) and pellagra. And it occurs as a result of treatment with insulin and CaCl2, as well as with myxedema and hyperparathyroidism ( increased function parathyroid glands).

Reasons for the development of hypophosphatemia:

metabolic dysregulation
low phosphorus diet (low meat products)
diet high in calcium, aluminum, magnesium, barium
abuse of drinks with artificial colors
drug addiction, Hyperphosphatemia develops with:
processes of bone tissue destruction

How to take a blood phosphorus test?

soda solution

Blood iron

Iron is normal in the blood

The normal level of iron in blood serum in women is 14.3-17.9 µmol/l

The normal level of iron in blood serum in men is 17.9-22.5 µmol/l

Women's iron requirement is twice that of men. This is due to the regular loss of iron during menstruation, as well as the increased need during pregnancy and lactation. Absorption of iron from food occurs in the intestines, and iron is better absorbed from animal products (meat, liver) than from plant products (legumes, spinach).

Causes of high iron in the blood

hyperferremia

hypoferremia

hemochromatosis
pernicious anemia
hypoplastic anemia
thalassemia
leukemia
deficiency of vitamins B12, B6 and B9 ( folic acid)
acute and chronic hepatitis
poisoning various drugs iron and dietary supplements containing iron
lead poisoning
work in iron mines

With regular use oral contraceptives and estrogen also increases the concentration of iron in the blood. Therefore, when using them, it is necessary to monitor iron levels.

Consequences of high iron in the blood
With a sufficiently long-term high concentration of iron in the blood, iron begins to be deposited in organs and tissues, leading to the development hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis. With hemochromatosis, the ability to regulate iron metabolism in the intestines is impaired, as a result of which “excess” iron is not excreted, but all of it enters the blood. Hemochromatosis is also called bronze diabetes because the skin of such patients acquires a dark bronze color or bronze spots appear on the skin due to the deposition of iron in the skin. However, iron is deposited not only in the skin, but also in all organs, leading to disruption of the functioning of these organs. Hemosiderosis is manifested by disturbances in the functioning of the heart, due to the deposition of iron in the myocardium, the formation of iron deposits in the lungs, enlargement of the liver and spleen. Skin with hemosiderosis takes on an earthy tint.
The long-term presence of “excess” iron in storage organs can provoke the development of diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, liver and heart diseases, as well as breast cancer.

Symptoms of high blood iron

pay attention to following symptoms, they may indicate excess iron in the blood:

weakness
lethargy
dizziness
baldness
memory impairment
arrhythmia
stomach ache
joint pain
decreased libido
liver enlargement
diabetes
skin lesion

Causes of low blood iron

Let us consider under what pathological and physiological conditions Hypoferremia may occur. Reduced iron content is observed in the following conditions:

chronic renal failure
acute infectious diseases
iron deficiency anemia
vitamin B12 deficiency
blood diseases (acute and chronic leukemia, myeloma)
acute and chronic bleeding
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (enteritis, colitis, low acidity gastric juice, resection of the stomach and intestines)
chronic hepatitis
cirrhosis of the liver
increased need for iron (period active growth, pregnancy, breastfeeding)

Most often, iron deficiency leads to the formation of anemia, which is manifested by weakness, lethargy, apathy, pallor, decreased performance, etc. However, anemia is the final stage of iron deficiency, when anemia has already developed. What symptoms can alert a person and make them assume the presence of iron deficiency in the body in order to prevent the development of anemia?

Symptoms of iron deficiency

dry skin
cracks in the corners of the mouth
brittle, dull, split ends
brittle, peeling nails
muscle weakness
dry mouth
lack of appetite
digestive disorders in the form of alternating constipation and diarrhea
change in taste (eating chalk)
perversion of smell (addiction to strange smells– exhaust gases, washed concrete floors)
immunodeficiency ( frequent colds with a long recovery period, pustular skin lesions, etc.)
lethargy
apathy
depression
dizziness

How to take a blood iron test?

If you suspect low or high iron levels in your blood, it is advisable to take a blood test. To do this, take blood from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. The highest iron content is observed in the morning. Before taking the test, you must refrain from eating for 8-12 hours. Determination of iron concentration is usually carried out using the colorimetric method. The method is quite accurate, sensitive and uncomplicated.

A deficiency or excess of certain vitamins or minerals in the human body can cause the development of various diseases. For example, daily norm potassium in the blood of an adult is from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/l. If this indicator is overestimated, this indicates the development of hyperkalemia in a person. Therefore, today we will look at the questions about why potassium in the blood is elevated and what to do about it.

High potassium in the blood: causes

Many people after biochemical analysis blood, doctors say that their blood potassium is elevated. The causes of this disease, as a rule, cannot be increased consumption products with potassium digestive tract. Since when proper operation kidneys, this microelement is quickly eliminated from the body.

Therefore, if you elevated potassium in the blood, the main reasons lie in the breakdown of proteins, during which potassium is released from the cells, as well as in a decrease in potassium excretion by the kidneys during renal pathology of various types.

Another reason high content potassium in the blood - administration uncontrolled by doctors potassium salts intravenously, self-administration of drugs with potassium. Also, potassium in the blood is often higher than normal in people who are on a diet high in this microelement.

So, if potassium in the blood of a child or adult is elevated, the reasons for the development of this disease may be the following:

Renal, adrenal insufficiency and other kidney diseases;
Pronounced catabolic processes (intracellular and intravascular hemolysis, protein breakdown, tissue reproduction);
Chronic uremia;
Acute dehydration;
Various injuries, severe burns, frostbite, surgical operations;
Taking potassium-sparing drugs (Triamterene, Spironoloctone);
Stress, depression, overexertion;
Oxygen starvation fabrics;
Hormonal disorders;
Anuria, oliguria, acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, low plasma insulin and other diseases during which potassium leaves the cells and increases its content in the intracellular fluid;
Diabetic coma.

As you can see, if potassium is elevated, there can be only two types of reasons: slow excretion of this microelement from the body due to impaired renal function and increased transition of potassium from the intracellular space to the extracellular space.

Increased potassium in the blood: symptoms

The beneficial properties of potassium mainly have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and muscle tissue. Therefore, with the development of hyperkalemia, the main symptoms, of course, are associated with the deterioration of the functioning of these organs.

An increase in potassium levels in the blood in children and adults is accompanied by the following symptoms:

Development of arrhythmia. This symptom indicates that potassium in the blood is higher than normal, as impulse generation is impaired;
Muscle weakness, sensory impairment and motor function;
The appearance of premature heart contractions;
Oppression respiratory center. The result is a frequency violation breathing movements, development of hypercapnia;
Blood pressure disorders.

If your blood test shows elevated potassium, this will also affect your nervous system. A person whose blood potassium is elevated and higher than normal often feels the appearance of “goosebumps” on the body and becomes more restless.

It is especially important to monitor whether the child’s blood potassium is elevated. Since increased potassium in the blood in children may indicate the development of diabetes mellitus and kidney damage. Increased tearfulness, excitability, and the smell of acetone from orth are the main symptoms that potassium in the blood is higher than normal in children.

Note that increased potassium in the blood of a child or adult by several times can cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles and impaired conductivity nerve fibers hearts. This can cause the heart muscle to stop.

If you do not have the above symptoms, but the analysis shows a high content of potassium in the blood, then you should take the test again, and also seek qualified help from a doctor. Sometimes squeezing blood vessels by hand or long-term storage blood in the laboratory may erroneously show elevated potassium in a blood test.

Treatment of hyperkalemia

If you have high potassium levels in your blood, treatment should begin immediately and only under the supervision of a qualified professional. medical worker. First you need to carry out an accurate and full diagnostics. To do this, you need to take a blood and urine test for potassium, determine the content of aldosterone and renin in the blood serum. It is also important to do an ECG. Since if potassium in the blood is increased, the electrocardiogram changes significantly. The P-R and QRS intervals become longer and a pointed T wave appears.

Treatment of hyperkalemia is carried out using several methods:

Stopping or reducing the dosage of medications, supplements, vitamin complexes containing potassium;
Intravenous administration of drugs that reduce the amount of potassium in the body. These can be preparations with calcium, a special resin. It is not absorbed into digestive system, absorbing potassium, it removes it through the stomach;
In some cases, injections of glucose and insulin are prescribed to help move potassium into the cells;
Bleeding. Most often prescribed for chronic uremia;
Hemodialysis is used for renal failure, as the kidneys cannot cope with their main function. Hemodialysis is a method of treating high levels of potassium in the blood, which is the artificial removal of waste products from the blood;
Taking diuretics, diuretics. It's pretty effective method treatment of increased potassium in the blood. The drugs are taken orally or intravenously.

If you have high blood potassium, diet is another method of treating hyperkalemia. It is important to limit the intake of potassium salts from food through the digestive tract. Therefore, you should change your diet, exclude from it legume products, dark chocolate, spinach, cabbage, fillet marine species fish, banana, kiwi, melon, grapes and citrus fruit. Maximum daily dose potassium for hyperkalemia should be no more than 2 grams.